This Fortnight in Westminster: Nuclear Growth, New Towns, Energy Security, and Devolution in Action

🏗️Nuclear - Government Revives British Nuclear

News:

• The government has announced a major overhaul of nuclear energy policy, removing planning restrictions to accelerate the construction of new nuclear power plants across England and Wales. As part of the Prime Minister’s 'Plan for Change', the reforms enable the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for the first time in the UK, and aim to boost energy security, reduce long-term costs, and create thousands of skilled jobs.
• Under the new rules: SMRs will be allowed through the planning process, allowing them to be built in areas with high energy demand, and not just the current list of eight nuclear sites. A Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce will be established, reporting directly to the Prime Minister to streamline approvals and attract investment.

Political Reactions:

• Backing the move, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said "The British people have been left vulnerable to global energy markets for too long - and the only way out is to build our way to a new era of clean electricity. Nuclear power creating thousands of skilled jobs. That is what this government will deliver."

Next steps:

• Developers will be encouraged to bring forward new nuclear sites as part of the streamlined planning process.
• The Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce will begin work on reducing bureaucracy, aligning UK regulations with international standards, and accelerating approvals for reactor designs.

🏘️Housebuilding - Next-Gen New Towns

News:

• MHCLG released an update on the Government's plans for the next generation of new towns. The New Towns Taskforce, an independent external advisory panel appointed by the government, published the update, including setting clear principles to ensure sustainable and high-quality development. Notably the Taskforce has set out a need to develop new towns with higher densities.
• Over 100 locations across England have been proposed as potential sites for new, well-designed communities, which will include GP surgeries, schools, and public transport links. Each town will have the potential to provide at least 10,000 homes.
• The Government claims its New Homes Accelerator has delivered 20,000 homes since Labour came into power in July 2024, through the scheme designed to cut through delays and speed up planning approvals. The next phase will focus on addressing the remaining 700,000 homes stuck in the system across 350 sites.

Political Reactions:

• Housing minister Matthew Pennycook emphasised the move, saying “We expect it to make a contribution to housing numbers in this parliament but what we're really talking about here is building well-designed, affordable, attractive homes and thriving and beautiful places that will eventually house millions of people just as the post-war waves of new towns did.”

What comes next?

• The New Towns Taskforce will consider proposals to identify the best development sites and report to the government by 'the summer' with its recommendations for where new towns should be located, while the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, set for introduction next month, will bring significant planning reform.
• The New Towns Taskforce will consider proposals to identify the best development sites and report to the government by 'the summer' with its recommendations for where new towns should be located, while the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, set for introduction next month, will bring significant planning reform.

📃Government Consultation - Devolution Priority Programme

News:

• The government has launched consultations in the six priority regions—Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Norfolk and Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, and Hampshire and the Solent - on proposals to establish mayoral combined authorities or mayoral combined county authorities. This is part of a broader push to accelerate devolution and local governance reform.
• As part of the Devolution Priority Programme, one of the largest expansions of mayoral devolution in England, these areas could transition into mayor-led strategic authorities by May 2026 if the proposals move forward. The government is now seeking input from local residents, businesses, and public sector bodies on key aspects, including governance structures and geographic boundaries of the new authorities.

Political Reactions:

• Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP, emphasized the importance of local engagement: "We are committed to shifting power from Whitehall to local leaders, giving them the tools they need to drive growth and tackle regional priorities. Our Devolution Priority Programme is designed to deliver this change at pace, and I encourage local communities to have their say in shaping their future governance."

What comes next?

• The Devolution Priority Programme is positioned as a bridge between the English Devolution White Paper and the forthcoming English Devolution Bill, laying the groundwork for mayoral elections in May 2026 in participating regions.

🔋Transmission - New Public Consultation Launched on Power Line Proposal

News:

• In a major step toward expanding the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure, National Grid has announced a fresh round of consultations on a proposed 56-mile (90 km) overhead line designed to transport energy from North Sea wind farms. The route would run from Cottingham in East Yorkshire to High Marnham in Nottinghamshire, reinforcing the national grid as part of the UK’s transition to clean energy.
• National Grid intends to apply for planning consent in 2026, with the 400 kV power line expected to be operational by 2031, further strengthening the UK’s energy security and renewable grid capacity.

Political Reactions:

• Council leader Rob Waltham of North Lincolnshire Council has previously cautioned that the proposed pylons and power lines could have a disruptive impact on the Isle of Axholme’s historic landscape, describing them as a visually intrusive addition to the area.

What comes next?

• National Grid said it expected to apply for consent to build the 400 kV line in 2026 and, if approved, it would be operational in 2031.
• With the government’s Plan for Change driving investment in clean energy, this project represents a crucial step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels and stabilising energy prices for consumers.

Coming up in Parliament:

13 February - 24 February House of Commons

• Recess

25 February - House of Commons

• Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: Reforming the water sector

25 February - House of Lords

• Industry and Regulators Committee: The energy grid and grid connections

26 February - House of Commons

• Energy Security and Net Zero Committee: Industrial strategy for clean power

3 March - House of Commons

Housing, Communities and Local Government (including Topical Questions)

26 March - House of Commons

• Spring Statement

March (TBC) - House of Commons

• Planning and Infrastructure Bill

TBC - House of Commons

• Devolution Announcements

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